Recently, on the talk show 'Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle', actors Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar graced the couch together. The inquisitive Twinkle Khanna asked her guests, "Do you guys also think about ageing and menopause and things like that?" Twinkle asked. Kajol chimed in and added that even men go through it and the process is called 'andropause'. For those who're wondering what the term really means, well, 'andropause' is a version of 'menopause' that happens to men.
The question arises what happens when men experience 'andropause'? More pertinent question is if this is a medically recognised condition? Moneycontrol's health and fitness team spoke to Dr. Monika Sharma, senior consultant - Endocrinology, Aakash Healthcare, to understand more about this condition.
"Andropause is sometimes called “male menopause.” It is a gradual drop in testosterone levels that can happen as men age. While it is not a disease, it is a recognised medical condition that can affect mood, energy, and overall well-being. It is much like how women experience hormonal shifts, but slower," she explained.
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A lot of you may wonder how 'andropause' is different from 'menopause'. "Menopause in women happens suddenly, usually around the age of 50, when periods stop completely. Andropause, on the other hand, creeps in quietly. Testosterone levels fall slowly over years, so symptoms appear gradually. It’s more of a dimmer switch than an on-off button," shared Dr. Sharma.
Most men may start noticing changes between the ages of 40 and 55. Some may feel it earlier, especially if they are under stress, overweight, or sleep-deprived. "Think of it like a car that has been running well, but around midlife, it just needs a little more regular servicing to stay in top shape," says the doctor.
If you're someone who wants clarity on what exactly happens when one enters the phase of andropause, then the doctor has listed some symptoms below.
- Low energy
- Mood swings
- Poor sleep
- Reduced sex drive
- Some gain weight, especially around the belly
- Some find it harder to concentrate
The doctor shares how one of her clients had mentioned to her that he doesn't feel old, but he just didn’t feel like himself anymore. It is important to distinguish between andropause symptoms and normal aging. "Ageing is natural and the symptoms are in the form of wrinkles, gray hair, slower reflexes. However, if you are feeling unusually tired, irritable, or losing motivation for things you once enjoyed for a prolonged duration, it may be hormonal. The best way to know is to talk to your doctor," advices the doctor.
Of course, the symptoms may overlap. The doctor says that a lot can be determined after speaking to the patient. "We look at symptoms first, then confirm with blood tests. The key marker is testosterone, but a lot can also be ascertained after checking related hormones, thyroid function, and overall health," she added.
The doctor has a word of caution. She says that some men have low testosterone but few symptoms, while others feel unwell even when their levels are only slightly low. "What matters is how one feels. The symptoms along with the numbers together tell the real story," she concludes.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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